How To Assemble a First Aid Kit for Cats

A feline first aid kit is one of the most overlooked steps in caring for a cat. If your cat should become injured and you can't get to the vet right away, a first aid kit assembled with your cat in mind can even save your pet's life. You shouldn't assume that your human first aid kit will contain everything you need to care for an injured pet, either. Cats need specific items that won't be found in human first aid kits to address their medical emergencies. Here's how to assemble a first aid kit for cats:

1. Start with the right container. The items for your feline first aid kit should go in a small box with a lid that latches. A small plastic tool box or tackle box would be appropriate. Store it either with your own first aid kit, or by the cat's food supplies, so that you'll know where to find it in case of an emergency.
2. Stock your kit with feline medical supplies. You'll need small scissors with blunt ends, a penlight or small flashlight, an eye dropper, and a pair of tweezers with sharp, pointed ends. You'll also need a rectal thermometer; choose a digital one to save time. Finally, add a plastic kitten nursing bottle in case you ever need to feed an unweaned kitten.
3. Stock bandaging supplies. If you keep the feline first aid kit by your human first aid supplies, you may not need to keep a separate supply of these, although you should make sure that your own first aid kit is well stocked. It should include sterile gauze pads, rolled gauze, cotton balls, cotton pads, and bandage tape.
4. Gather wound care supplies. Again, you may not need all of these if your family first aid kit is well stocked and kept nearby. These supplies include latex gloves, hydrogen peroxide, sterile eyewash (the human type is fine for cats), antiseptic cleaner, hydrocortisone cream, and splints or tongue depressors for stabilizing broken legs. Familiarize yourself with the uses of each, and check the expiration date periodically to replace expired supplies.
5. Add veterinary supplies. Purchase a veterinarian first aid manual and keep it with the kit. Read through it once to familiarize yourself with common first aid emergencies before putting it in the kit. Add the phone number and directions to your veterinarian, the closest 24-hour emergency veterinarian hospital, and a poison-control hotline. Also have a copy of your cat's medical records. Keep these important papers in a ziplock bag so that they will be protected in the case of an emergency.
6. Supplies to keep your cat restrained. Your kit should include towels, a muzzle or strips of cotton, and a pillowcase. Remember that if your cat is injured, he or she may be combative when you try to provide medical care.

Although you should always take your cat to the vet at the first sign of injury or illness, sometimes this is impossible, or the condition may warrant emergency first aid treatment before the trip. If your cat appears to be injured, do not attempt to use this kit in lieu of veterinary care.